Award-winning social enterprise Green Connect is building a Friendship Garden, a sanctuary amid the crops at its Warrawong farm where people from marginalised communities can gather in a safe space. 

Thanks to funding from the NSW Government Volunteer Diversity & Inclusion Grants program, Green Connect aims to complete the new Friendship Garden by June.

The team's vision is to create a safe and inviting space where individuals from all walks of life can come together. Green Connect wants to reach out to marginalised local communities in Warrawong, Lake Heights and surrounding areas, including Aboriginal people, youth, the LGBTQIA+ community, former refugees and beyond.

The idea for the Friendship Garden came from Annie Burbrook, Green Connect’s people and engagement officer. However, the initiative is being led by Alasdair Stratton, a volunteer coordinator.

To ensure inclusivity and community voices were heard, Alasdair brought together a diverse co-design group of people – including local refugees, staff members and representatives from Green Connect – to shape the garden's design.

Alasdair said the garden will include a shade structure and an outdoor oven, with the ultimate goal being to grow, pick and eat together. 

"The idea of the garden is to involve volunteers who wouldn’t normally participate in the Green Connect programs," he said. 

"We really want to reach out to people who might not have enough garden space to grow their own food.”

Unlike other activities at Green Connect, the Friendship Garden will be less structured, allowing people to engage at their own pace. Whether it's tending to plants, enjoying the shade or cooking in the outdoor oven, there will be many opportunities for people to connect with nature and each other.

While the Friendship Garden welcomes all, it will not be a public space in the traditional sense. Instead, it will be a place designed to foster a sense of belonging and ownership among its participants.

This garden won't just be about cultivating plants – it will be about cultivating relationships, fostering inclusion and nurturing the bonds that unite us as a community.

If you wish to get involved in this initiative, please contact Alasdair on Alasdair.Stratton@green-connect.com.au or 0467 951 484.